Are You My Mother?

Remi, our female Great Pyrenees LGD (livestock guardian dog), has recently stepped into a new role—nursemaid, bodyguard, and best friend to Babydoll, our goat kid with the broken leg. (click here if you've forgotten that little drama). 

It started with Remi keeping the peace during the daily milking stampede—you know, the one where all the goats go full feeding frenzy. Picture the theme song from Jaws... but with hooves. Baby couldn’t keep up, what with the whole leg-in-a-cast situation, so Remi took matters into her own giant, fluffy paws. She parked herself in the barn corner with Baby tucked safely behind her and let out a low growl if any of the others got too close. She made it very clear: “This one’s mine.”

Since Baby can’t go outside with the rest of the herd—wet cast, muddy fields, you get the picture—Remi started staying behind with her. Not because she had to. Because she wanted to. As the days passed, something lovely started to happen. Remi and Baby forged a real bond. I’ll often find Baby curled up in a cozy nest of Remi’s soft white fur, safe and sound and snoring softly.

Last night, it dipped a little chilly here in northern New Hampshire. I was worrying about the temperature until I peeked into the barn and saw Baby curled into a contented ball, wrapped in warmth and fluff. She didn’t need extra blankets—she had Remi.

These Pyrs never cease to amaze me. Whether they're protecting eggs (see story here), keeping goat kids warm, or even treeing bears (yes, really), they’re always watchful, always ready, and always loyal.

It’s a good feeling knowing my farm is in capable paws 24/7.

Forget hired help. If I could put Remi on the payroll, she’d be Employee of the Month every month... but she’d probably try to eat the plaque.

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